Birmingham City striker Matt Derbyshire says that it’s a ‘relief’ to play Premier League football once more.

Yet he is desperate for more of it, as a regular starter.

The striker joined Blues on a season’s loan from Greek side Olympiakos. He became a cult hero during his time there, but England is forever home for Derbyshire.

“I have been away for 18 months and the Premier League hasn’t changed at all, it’s as quick as ever,” he states after coming on as a sub in the defeat at West Brom.

“It was going to take time to adjust to the pace of the game, but I’m not worried about that now.

“It would be great to get my first start sooner rather than later, show the boss what I can do and get a couple of full games under my belt.

“It’s very difficult to get into the action when you come on so late in the day. You don’t get many opportunities. At West Brom I was on for about 15 minutes and I don’t think I even touched the ball!”

Derbyshire continues: “It’s just a relief to get back to England and the Premier League.

“I enjoyed my time out in Greece but I’m an English player, at the age I am now, and I need to be playing at the highest level in the English league.

“I had a terrific time in Greece and it was a great experience. I got to play Champions League football and play in another league in Europe.

“I’m glad I did it but I’m delighted to be back. I have settled in very well at Blues, they are a good group of lads here and I’m just happy to be a part of the club.”

Derbyshire has started both Blues’ Carling Cup games, scoring against Rochdale in the second round.

But in the Premier League he has just been handed substitute cameos of 23 minutes twice and 10 minutes twice.

In May, Blues will have to make a decision on his permanent future and Derbyshire is hoping that by then he will have impressed sufficiently to firm the loan up.

“I wouldn’t like to stay – I’d love to,” he admits.

Alex McLeish says that he is striving for the right attacking blend still, and shirts are up for grabs as Blues go into the international break in 16th spot.

“Nikola Zigic has got to give us more, Matt Derbyshire has got to give us more,” says the manager.

“They’ll argue they haven’t had many minutes, but we train every day and play matches on the training ground as well.

“The guys have got to show me in these kind of situations. We see them every day so we know who should be rightly playing and who is still looking to find their feet.”